CHEM 201A: General College Chemistry I Online

Fall 2020 Semester
Asynchronous Class Dates: August 17 -December 18, 2020

Chemistry 201A presents the first semester lecture and laboratory components of a one-year course in the fundamental principles of chemistry.  In this course, you will learn the chemical attributes of matter and become familiar with the Periodic Table of the Elements and its contents.  You will also become familiar with the physical states of matter, Stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and thermodynamic principles as they relate to matter. The laboratory component will introduce techniques and methods to measure precision and accuracy, standard methods of gravimetric and volumetric analysis, and some computer acquisition and analysis of data.  The laboratory will reinforce important chemical principles presented in the lecture component, and develop problem solving skills via experimentation.  Each student will perform experiments, make careful observations, collect data, and formulate conclusions based on their results.  Most importantly, this course will provide you with an understanding of the submicroscopic world and how it is essential to everyday life.

This course is designed for students who have been successful in previous chemistry courses and who have basic laboratory skills.  It requires diligent and disciplined study habits, good attendance, and a positive attitude.  Students considering majors in the sciences or engineering and transferring to a UC or CSU must complete this course.

NOTE: Chemistry 201A is a heavy load.  It is imperative that students devote at least 25-30 hours outside of class each week to the course in order to succeed.

This course is designed for students who have been successful in previous chemistry courses and who have basic laboratory skills. It requires diligent and disciplined study habits, good attendance, and a positive attitude. Students considering majors in the sciences or engineering and transferring to a UC or CSU must complete this course.

Contact Information

Instructor:  Praveen Babu, Ph.D.

Email: pbabu@cuesta.edu

Office/Mailbox: SLO – 2324     NCC – N2429

Phone: SLO – (805) 546-3100 x2196            NCC – (805) 591-6200 x4511

 

Class and Electronic Device Requirements

Make sure to address the following question: Is an online class suited for you? 

• As your instructor, it is my duty to ensure you take the time to go to the Online Readiness Resources page Links to an external site., take the "self assessment survey," and then read "Your Results".  (If that survey does not describe you, then taking this class online is not in your best interest regarding student success and I strongly suggest you enroll in a traditional classroom section.

If you are suited for an online course, you will need the following:

• You must have constant access to a reliable computer.
• You must have a reliable Internet connection.
• You must have access to your my.Cuesta.edu email account (or have successfully set up email forwarding to your third party email provider).
• You must have access to Cuesta College's Canvas learning management system (LMS).
• You must have a backup plan in case your internet provider or computer goes down.  For issues related to accessing Cuesta's Canvas Site, email: support@my.cuesta.edu. 
• You must understand the basic concepts of email, web navigation and online communication to succeed in this course.
• Finally, you must obtain access to course materials before the end of the first week of class.

 

Required Texts and Materials

The following items listed below are the only course-specific materials you will need to succeed in this course.  Retailers may “suggest” or “recommend” additional items (e.g., lab coats, laminated Periodic Tables, study guides, etc.).  Those are not required for this course and you do not need to purchase them.  What you do need is as follows:

Chemistry, A Molecular Approach, Tro, Nivaldo J., 5^th Ed.

• Standard Book ISBN 9780134874371
• Alternatively, a Cuesta College Edition is also available through the campus bookstore. Either version will work. Purchase which ever is cheapest, but check for discounts when bundled with item 2 below:

 Modified Mastering Chemistry access code for 5^th edition

• Make sure it is a Modified Mastering Chemistry code for the 5^th edition of the textbook.
• Do not buy these used because they are single use codes. Used codes are useless.

Scientific calculator

Grading Policy

Each student will be graded using examinations, quizzes, homework assignments, class participation and laboratory activity grades weighted as follows: 

.

Type of Assessment	Weighted % of Overall Grade
Examinations	35%
Quizzes	20%
Online Homework Assignments	5%
Laboratory Activities	20%
Cumulative Final Examination	20%

Final course grades will be based on a standard percentage scale: A (91-100%), B (81-88%), C (71-78%), D (61-68%), and F (< 60%).  Plus/minus grades will be given for borderline scores within 1%.

Examinations will be administered on the dates indicated on the lecture schedule.  A makeup examination will be given, at the instructor’s discretion, only in an emergency and must be requested within 2 days of the scheduled examination.  A 15% penalty will be deducted from the score on any makeup examination and only one makeup examination per student will be administered per semester.  Only students who have completed all laboratory activity assignments prior to the scheduled exam date are eligible for a makeup examination.  There are no makeup quizzes.  Each student’s lowest quiz grade will be dropped prior to the calculation of their final grade.  There is no makeup for the final examination. The cumulative final examination will be administered on the date scheduled by the College and provided in the lecture schedule at the beginning of the course.

 

Lecture and Laboratory Activity Schedules

***NOTE: Detailed lecture and laboratory activity schedules will be posted prior to the first week of class within the Canvas course site.***

 

Homework (via Modified Mastering Chemistry)

A portion of your overall grade will be the use of an online homework program called Modified Mastering Chemistry. It is important that you enroll in the Modified Mastering Chemistry online course supplement as soon as you are prompted by your instructor.  Your instructor will prompt your enrollment (1) after you are registered in this College course and (2) once the material has been posted for your section.  You must register for the online homework portion of the course through Canvas using the “MyLab and Mastering” link. While in Canvas on your CHEM 201A course home page, mouse to the top left of the screen and click the “MyLab and Mastering” link.  Follow the prompts from there. 

**YOU MUST HAVE ACCESS BY THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS**

After you have joined a course you can open any assignment from the Assignments Due Soon area or from the Assignments page.

 

Attendance Policy

1. Regular participation in an online course is equivalent to regular attendance in a face to face lecture.  It is essential to succeed in this course. Your participation is monitored by your instructor by your posts to discussions; attendance in Zoom office hours, discussions, or problem-solving sessions; and course analytics provided by our Canvas learning management system.  
2. A passing grade when all lab activities are averaged is required to receive a passing grade overall in the course.  One lab will be dropped prior to calculating your course grade at the end of the course.  Students who do not participate in two consecutive labs may be dropped from the course.  Administratively dropped students will still need to officially withdraw from the course.
3. In the event of an absence, you are responsible for turning in assignments on time, obtaining new assignments, and noting any schedule changes.

 

Dr. Babu's Office Hours (Tentative; Finalized once class starts)

Academic Honesty

Students are responsible for being aware of and complying with the Cuesta College Student Conduct/Academic Honesty Policy.  This policy especially pertains to our laboratory activities as each student is responsible for performing/generating, analyzing, and submitting his/her own data, calculations, conclusions, and assignments.  Students who fail to comply will be dropped from the course or given a failing grade (F).

 

Special Accommodations

Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should discuss your specific needs with me privately.  Please contact Disabled Student Services & Programs at (805) 546-3148 (SLO) or (805) 591-6215 on the North County Campus to help coordinate accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

 

Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives